English Information

 
IVO is a scientific bureau for research, expertise, and consultancy in the field of lifestyle, addiction, and related social developments

Lifestyle, addiction and social developments
IVO is a nationwide organization which has its head office in Rotterdam. The aim of IVO is the acquisition and dissemination of scientific knowledge on lifestyle, addiction, and related social developments. In this way the IVO seeks to explore and find solutions for the physical, psychological, and social issues related to various forms of addiction.

Central themes of IVO research are the causes, and consequences of the use of alcohol, cannabis, hard drugs, tobacco, and prescription drugs, for the individual user and their direct environment, and for society as a whole. Besides substance use the IVO also investigates new forms of potentially addictive behavior such as gambling, internet and game use, and eating.

Attention for lifestyle and related social developments focuses mainly on research into the behavior of groups such as marginalized users of hard drugs, prostitutes, problem youth, and the homeless.

Research, expertise, and consultancy
The IVO has expertise in ethnographic, socio-epidemiologic, and evaluation research: this applies to basic research as well as to practical and policy-based research.

Over 40 researchers are employed by the IVO coming from such different backgrounds as epidemiology, psychology, sociology, criminology, health sciences, communication studies, and social administration. They conduct quantitative and/or qualitative research, and some researchers also have an advisory function. The composition of the team of researchers and advisers varies per project. The expertise of the IVO, the social involvement of its staff, and the combination of independent research with a practical approach produces valuable data and allows offering objective advice.

Scientific bureau
Erasmus University Rotterdam, University of Maastricht, University of Tilburg, Radboud University Nijmegen, and Volksbond Rotterdam all participate in the IVO. Several chairs are affiliated with the IVO thus guaranteeing the quality of the research. Research and consultancy have been commissioned by local municipalities, local health authorities, care agencies, ministries, companies and various foundations. 

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